Despite appearances of something more than a coincidence, an NFL source says the Broncos are not planning to trade Brandon Marshall.

The trade Sunday that sent Kevin O’Connell from the Detroit Lions to New York Jets again ignited the possibility that Marshall will be moved this season.

About the time Marshall was suspended by the Broncos nine days for detrimental conduct, the New York Jets expressed interest in the star-crossed receiver.

Last week, the Broncos, who have health issues with their top two quarterbacks, Kyle Orton and Chris Simms, put in a claim on O’Connell, who New England had just waived. Broncos coach Josh McDaniels was New England’s offensive coordinator last season.

The Detroit Lions, who have Matthew Stafford and Daunte Culpepper at quarterbacl, also put in a claim on O’Connell. The Lions got him because their 0-16 record last season was worse than the Broncos’ 8-8 mark. Cleveland also put in a claim ahead of the Broncos.

And now O’Connell, a second-year player, is traded today to the Jets, who have already invested heavily in a young quarterback named Mark Sanchez.

Meanwhile, the Broncos formally lifted their suspension of Marshall, who attended practice Sunday. The Broncos won’t have to make a corresponding roster move until Monday, as they were given a one-day roster exemption by the NFL office.

It should be noted there was a fourth team that put in a waiver claim on O’Connell last week: The Jets. Did Jets’ general manager Mike Tannenbaum give O’Connell a high draft grade coming out of San Diego State? Or did Tannenbaum acquire O’Connell as a preemptive step towards acquiring Marshall, who after averaging 103 receptions the previous two seasons, is seeking both a trade and a contract extension?

How long will the Marshall saga continue? At least until he’s seen catching a pass for the Broncos at Cincinnati next week in the season opener. And even then …